A rustic, kampong-era island 10 minutes off Changi by bumboat, a rare glimpse of old Singapore. The island is free; the wooden bumboat costs S$4 cash each way (plus ~S$4 for a bike). Rent a bicycle on arrival and explore Chek Jawa wetlands. Boats leave when full, roughly 6am-7pm.
Key facts
| Hours | Island access via bumboat: roughly 6:00am-7:00pm daily (no fixed schedule; boats depart when full) Chek Jawa Wetlands: daily 8:30am-6:00pm |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal; reach it via Pasir Ris MRT + Bus 109 to Changi Village |
| Time needed | Half to full day (4-6 hours) |
| Best time to go | Early morning on a weekday for cool weather and quicker boats |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.4/10- Value9.0
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level8.0
- Authenticity9.5
- Accessibility5.0
Frequently asked questions
- Can I rent a bike on the island?
- Yes. Bike rental shops cluster right by the Ubin jetty and charge roughly S$8-15 for the day depending on the bike. Renting there is easier than lugging your own and paying the boat surcharge. Cycling is the best way to cover the island.
- Is it cash only?
- The bumboat is strictly cash, so bring small notes for the fare and bike rental. Some of the village eateries and shops also prefer cash. Withdraw money before you leave the mainland; ATMs on the island are scarce.
- How long should I spend there?
- A relaxed visit is a half day of 4-6 hours; keen cyclists and nature lovers can easily fill a full day. Go early to beat the midday heat and avoid the last-boat rush. Watch the time, as boats thin out by early evening.
- Is Chek Jawa worth visiting?
- Absolutely, it is the island's natural highlight, with a mangrove boardwalk, coastal walk, and a viewing tower over one of Singapore's richest intertidal habitats. It is about a 20-minute ride or long walk from the jetty. It closes at 6pm, so plan accordingly.
- How much is the ferry to Pulau Ubin?
- The bumboat costs S$4 per person each way, paid in cash on board, with an extra roughly S$4 surcharge if you bring your own bicycle. There is no set timetable; boats depart once 9-12 passengers are aboard, which rarely takes long. Confirm the fare before departure.
- How do I get to the ferry terminal?
- Take the MRT to Pasir Ris station, then Bus 109 to Changi Village Bus Terminal and walk a couple of minutes to Changi Point Ferry Terminal. From Tanah Merah MRT you can take Bus 2, and from Tampines MRT, Bus 29. Then hop the 10-minute bumboat.
- Do I need to book in advance?
- No booking is needed for the bumboat or the island; you just show up at Changi Point and wait for a boat to fill. Weekends fill faster, meaning shorter waits but busier trails. Weekday mornings are the quietest and most pleasant.
- What is there to do on Pulau Ubin?
- Cycle the dirt trails, visit the Chek Jawa Wetlands boardwalk and its intertidal ecosystem, spot wild boar and hornbills, and see abandoned granite quarries turned into scenic lakes. It is a nature-and-nostalgia trip, not a resort. Bring your own snacks though a few simple eateries exist near the jetty.
Nearby in Ask Singapore
- Pasir Ris ParkPark3.68 km · 46 min walk
- Changi Beach ParkBeach3.68 km · 46 min walk
- Changi Chapel and MuseumMuseum4.93 km · 62 min walk
- Jewel Changi AirportAttraction5.9 km · 74 min walk
- Geylang Serai MarketMarket11.86 km · 148 min walk
Where to stay near Pulau Ubin
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